Women in the Night (1948)

Six women from the main Allied Nations battling the German-Japanese Axis in WW2 are arrested by the Germans in Shanghai University, under the false accusation they are accomplices of the ... See full summary »

Director:

William Rowland

Writers:

William Rowland (original story), Maude Emily Glass (adaptation),

Stars:

Tala Birell, William Henry, Richard Loo

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tala Birell	...	Yvette Aubert
William Henry	...	Maj. von Arnheim
Richard Loo	...	Col. Noyama
Virginia Christine	...	Claire Adams
Bernadene Hayes	...	Frau Thaler (as Bernadine Hayes)
Gordon Richards	...	Col. von Meyer
Frances Chung	...	Li Ling
Jean Brooks	...	Maya
Kathy Frye	...	Helen James
Helen Mowery	...	Shiela Hallett
Benson Fong	...	Chang
Helen Brown	...	Mrs. Angela James
Frederick Giermann	...	Maj. Eisel
Philip Ahn	...	Prof. Kunioshi (as Phillip Ahn)
Arno Frey	...	Field Marshall Von Runzel

Storyline

Six women from the main Allied Nations battling the German-Japanese Axis in WW2 are arrested by the Germans in Shanghai University, under the false accusation they are accomplices of the killing of a German officer in the Hospital. Two Asian women will join the group, and eventually it is revealed that there are at least three underground spies amongst the small group. Some will survive, others will die heroic deaths for their religious beliefs, nationalist ideals, or the sake of humankind.

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Plot Keywords:

spy | war crime | suicide | gunfight | atomic bomb | 

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

2 January 1948 (USA)

Also Known As:

Curse of a Teenage Nazi

Filming Locations:

Ensenada, Baja California Norte, Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Louis K. Ansell Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min 98 min (restored) 92 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Cherie"
by Sid Robin

User Reviews

INTENDED AS EXPLOITATION FILM BUT CALL IT NAZI-NOIR

Les Adams's lengthy summary of this production and its plot would suggest he has seen the film.I beg to differ on a few minor points: The hostesses are not all Anglos though there is one from Angleterre. The U.S.,Mexico,France,China and maybe Australia are also represented. The secret wife of William Henry is not Tala Birell, but Virginia Christine. Tala Birell ,the "Shanghai Mata Hari", received top-billing performing superior to the part. The production was filmed over a thirty day period at the Playa Ensenada Hotel in Mexico utilizing some very attractive interior decor. There are a few outdoor scene but they are minor. The plot is not so sordid but the lesbian relationship between the character's played by Jeans Brooks and Bernadene Hayes is clearly indicated. My 16mm print of this film,formerly owned by William K.Everson, is retitled CAPTURED.Film Classics sold off the rights to the film within two years. WOMEN IN THE NIGHT is a great favortte of Elliot Lavine, esteemed San Francisco programmer,formerly with the Roxie Cinema. He has show the film several times at the Roxie and at the Los Angeles Film School. Surviving cast member Iris Flores (Ride the Pink Horse), who played the Mexican hostess, attended the Los Angeles screening with her extended family several years ago, and I understand it was a warmly enjoyed event.